Page 20

Jake

W ell, this wasn’t how I thought my morning would start. I expected to wake up with Flash, maybe have some lazy kisses before we started our day, but no, Trish fucking Williams put an end to that idea. At least we don’t need to add dealing with the police to our to-do list for the day. My brothers are handling that for us. Which means I feel confident in focusing mine and Flash’s attention on how we plan on dealing with Trish herself and Raymond. I know he wants Piston involved in whatever we decide to do too, and I’m more than okay with that.

They’ve been friends for a very long time and have been to hell and back together. My own relationship and even friendship with Flash is new, but it’s strong. I have trust and faith in the man I have feelings for. I know it’s nothing against me why he wants Piston involved too. He’s more than just his friend; he’s his chosen brother, and if I were the one in Flash’s shoes, I’d want my brothers next to me too.

Micah made an appearance a few minutes ago, still looking half asleep. His eyes only open wide enough for him to make out any obstacles that might get in his path as he walks. His hair is sticking up in every direction it possibly can, and he isn’t actually lifting his feet as he moves. He’s actually shuffling them across the floor to move. It’s a sight to see. I’ve never seen anything like it in my life. Both Flash and I are watching him move with laughter in our eyes. This is the first time either of us has seen him act like a typical kid, and it’s honestly a pleasure to see. It’s also a relief too. I was worried we wouldn’t see him this way for a long time, that it would take a lot of time and hard work to get him to trust he was safe and cared for here.

“Good morning.” Flash says as Micah somehow manages to make his way to the empty seat at the counter next to Flash without knocking into anything.

“Morning.” He mumbles, sounding as half asleep as he looks.

“Want breakfast?” I ask.

“No. I’m good. Sleepy.” He replies, and I bite back my laugh. Flash isn’t so lucky; he bursts out laughing loudly, which startles Micah enough for him to fully open his eyes.

The look on Flash’s face right now is nothing short of beautiful in my eyes. He looks so carefree and happy; his smile actually reaches his eyes, and he’s for once not partially bogged down with the pain he feels over everything with Wyatt.

“Shit.” He says, gasping for breath through his laughter. “I’m sorry, but you’re acting exactly like I used to at your age. I hated waking up.”

“Waking up sucks.” Micah says decisively with a nod.

“Can’t argue with you there, but now I’ve managed to startle you into the land of the living; would you like something to eat?”

“Nah. I’m good. I don’t normally eat breakfast.” He says but looks away.

I have a feeling that he doesn’t normally eat breakfast because he isn’t normally allowed to. That shit isn’t what’s going to be happening in this house. If he’s hungry, he can eat. There’s more than enough food around here for him. Actually, I bet there was enough food in his house with Trish and Megan; they just chose to be goddamn assholes.

“Micah, can you look at me, please?” I ask gently.

Micah looks at me, eyes filled with apprehension. I know it’s going to take some time for that to totally fade, but god, I hate that it’s there right now.

“If you believe nothing else I say, I want you to believe this. You can eat in this house whenever you want. There is more than enough food for everyone, including my big brothers, who all live here too. You won’t get in trouble with any of us for eating.”

“Are you sure?” He asks, sounding hopeful and unsure all in one breath.

“Yes, I’m one hundred percent sure. If you’re hungry, you eat.”

“Then if it’s okay, I’d love some breakfast. I’m starving.”

“What would you like?” I ask.

“Scrambled eggs and toast if that’s not too much trouble.”

“It’s not too much trouble; just give me a few moments to cook it up. Why don’t you grab some juice out of the fridge while you wait?”

Micah doesn’t need telling twice, as he scrambles out of the seat next to his brother and heads towards the fridge to grab a drink. I get on with the task of making him some breakfast, making sure there is going to be more than enough so he definitely has enough to eat. He’s a growing kid; he needs a good filling meal to start his day.

It doesn’t take me long to cook Micah his breakfast and for him to demolish what’s in front of him; even with me thinking I’d cooked extra food, there is nothing left by the time he’s finished. Just as he’s taking the last sip of his juice, Rex, Seth, Austin, and Piston enter the kitchen, talking quietly amongst themselves.

Micah shrinks back into himself with their entrance, and I once again feel my frustration rise towards his parents and even Megan. He’s only acting this way because of them and the way they’ve treated him his entire life.

“Hey Micah, do you remember Piston?” Flash asks, taking control of the situation.

“Yes. It’s nice to see you again.” Micah mumbles.

“The other three guys are Jake’s older brothers. The massive one is Rex; next we have Austin, who has the same light brown hair as Jake, and then lastly we have Seth. They all live here too, but this house is massive, so everyone has their own space.”

“Are you really okay with me staying here with Flash and Jake? I don’t want to invade your home.”

“We’re more than okay with you being here, Micah.” Austin says genuinely.

Micah must hear the truth in his voice as he smiles and nods his head. I know it’s going to take him time to adjust to his new life, but hopefully with us all being here for him and reassuring him when he needs it, things will all turn out okay. One can hope at least.